Search - Various Artists :: 96 Grammy Nominees

Flashback to Nineteen Nine Five

03/12/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"...I normally do not review "old" albums, but I will make an exception with this masterpiece. The Grammy series has seen both ends of the spectrum and this editon is conpletely flawless. There is not one song on this album that I disapprove of. I did not listen to music back in 1995, this album makes me wish that I did. An analysis of these classic tracks:
1.Mariah Carey & Boyz II Men"One Sweet Day"A-.Beautiful,that is the only word to describe the powerful and masterful work.No wonder it was #1 for 16 Weeks in that year.
2.Coolio feat. L.V."Gangsta's Paradise"A+.This bangin' summer track was THE best song of 1995.Right from the chilling beat to the deep lyrics,this song is what rap should be.Surprising that the Academy was bold enough to give this a Record Of The Year nod.
3.Joan Osborne"One Of Us"A-.She may have been forgotten,but this song is easily a classic.Everyone knows the words to this inventive and inspired theological track.It does pose a very good idea about God.
4.Seal"Kiss From A Rose"A.The song may be ungainly in construction,but it is graceful in delivery.It is one of those songs that just plain resounds with you and uses some brilliant "images".
5.TLC"Waterfalls"A.Since Lisa Lopez has passed a way the group is in danger.The is one the best R&B songs of the '90s.The message seems verey heartfelt whlie the lyrics and horn arangments provide a perfect vehicle for it.
6.All-4-One"I Can Love You Like That"A.They may have been second compared to Boyz II Men, but this a superb and perfect slow dance song.Very well done.
7.Michael Jackson"You Are Not Alone"A-.In the midst of all his legal troubles,here is reminder of his talent.MJ singing R.Kelly's emotional lyrics make this a terrific song choice.
8.Alanis Morissette"You Oughta Know"A.It's no mystery why Alanis was such a huge hit with everyone.This song shows the kind of rage and straight forward attitude most females don't have. Truly a one of a kind song.
9.Brandy"Baby"A-.The song shrinks in comparison to "The Boy Is Mine" and "What About Us?",still it is very catchy and slick in it's production.
10.Hootie & The Blowfish"Let Her Cry"B.When "Cracked Rear View" sold 12 Million copies,no one predicted them to be on the bottom of the bargain bin now.This song is not original or spectacular,but it delivers what it promises to.11.Shania Twain"Any Man Of Mine"A-.This early track from Shania may not have been her best,but it shows true talent and a lot of potential as an artist.
Bottom Line:****.A perfect album, shows that sometimes less can be more(it only has 11 songs). Grammy got it right way back in 1995!"

Memories Come to Life

10/26/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"my step sister would always come over to my house and play this CD non stop. i grew up on this CD, literally. I developed my ear for hip hop, my first true love. i remember rapping to Left Eye's rap from Waterfall in my living room. i still know every lyric to this CD even today. "Kiss from a Rose" by Seal and "One Sweet Day" by Boyz II Men feat. Mariah Carey are my favorite romantic songs ever. And "One of Us" literally changed my life. It made me think philosophically at such a young age. i was such a hip hop baby. I remember rapping in the car to "Gangsta's Paradise" over and over again until my mom yelled at me. This CD is magical in my opinion. its the ultimate CD for any collection and i advise everyone to have it."